Officers with the Desert Hot Springs (CA) Police Department arrested three 14-year-old teenagers—two boys and a girl—on Sunday after "troubling social media posts" were reported to the police by a Desert Hot Springs Unified School District staffer.

According to CBS News, two handguns and a very real looking replica rifle were seized at the scenes of the three arrests.

In a Monday afternoon news conference, Acting Chief Jim Henson thanked patrol officers who he said worked tirelessly to "thwart this from happening."

"Obviously this could have created a deadly situation at our school today, but that was thwarted," Henson said.

Superintendent of Schools Sandra Lyon added, "This incident serves as a reminder to our students and staff members about the importance of reporting anything they see or hear that looks, sounds or feels suspicious. As a result of the sharing of information in an efficient and expedient manner, any potential threat was averted, and student and staff safety was not compromised."

The three minors are in custody at juvenile hall and have been charged with terrorist threats.